Chapter 25: Touko’s Smile Doesn’t Move

Rurika Hanabusa’s face was still burning when Kei stepped back. He didn’t seem bothered at all, but she could barely breathe. She smoothed her skirt, tried to fix her hair, anything to hide how shaken she was.

“T-thank you… Nishima -san…” she murmured.

Kei gave a simple nod. “You’re sure your ankle’s fine? No twist?”

His voice was calm in a way that made Rurika’s heartbeat feel even louder. He was exactly the same as the night he rescued her—steady, warm, and completely unaware of the effect he had on people.

Yui laughed lightly. “Honestly, Kei. You always jump in first. I didn’t even see you move.”

“It wasn’t a big deal,” he said. “She almost fell.”

Rurika wished she could stop replaying the moment in her head—his hand on her arm, the support at her waist, the way he pulled her upright like it was nothing.

She swallowed hard.

This was Touko Nishima’s stepfather.

And Touko…

Before Rurika could gather herself, a soft shadow slid in between them.

Touko Nishima.

She positioned herself right in front of Rurika, close enough that Rurika had to tilt her head to see her clearly. Touko didn’t cling tightly—just a light hold on Kei’s sleeve, almost casual. But the meaning behind it wasn’t casual at all.

Her smile was perfect.

Polite.

Beautiful.

And completely unreadable.

Rurika felt her stomach flip.

“Nishima-san…” she whispered automatically.

Touko tilted her head, still smiling. “Hanabusa-san.”

Her tone was gentle. Her eyes weren’t.

Kei was already turning toward the classroom, unaware of the storm building under his daughter’s calm exterior. Yui followed him happily, chatting about the schedule for Parents’ Day.

Touko didn’t move.

She stepped a little closer until Rurika had no choice but to take half a step back.

“Thank you again for saving me,” Rurika blurted out, her voice cracking.

Kei smiled over his shoulder. “Really, it was nothing.”

Touko didn’t look at him. She kept her gaze on Rurika.

A small, controlled exhale.

A smile that didn’t change.

Then she leaned in just enough that only Rurika could hear her.

“Be careful next time,” Touko whispered. “Papa won’t always be there to catch you.”

Rurika’s breath stopped.

Touko pulled back, her smile warm again—soft, sweet, and perfect.

“Let’s go, Papa,” she said cheerfully, slipping her hand into his.

Kei nodded and walked with her.

Rurika stood frozen in place, heart racing for a very different reason now.

Touko didn’t look back.

Her smile never moved.